Sheldon Rankins
impressed for a 300-pounder when asked to line up at defensive end due to injuries at times in 2015.
WEAKNESSES
kawann short, dt, carolina panthers - although he has the skill-set that supersedes scheme, rankins is ideally suited as a three-technique in a four-man front, fitting a similar role as short in carolina.
IN OUR VIEW
needs to continue to refine his skills. has active hands, but is still developing his pass rush moves and the placement of his punch. often the last lineman to move off the ball and needs to improve his snap anticipation. doesn't always rush with a plan and lacks consistent move-to-move transition. will stand up at times and needs to play with lower pad level.
COMPARES TO
he was nearly unblockable during one-on-one drills at the senior bowl due to his quickness off the whistle and powerful arms to drive blockers backward. he used a variety of hand moves to swat jabs and swim past the blocker's shoulder. also impressed during 11-on-11 reps due to his ball awareness, and his ability to read, detach himself from the block and make plays in the backfield.
Has heavy hands and terrific initial momentum to generate movement at the point of attack, seeing through blocks to accurately track the ball. Redirects well for a man his size, collecting himself on the move to break down in small spaces.
rankins is one of the better run defenders in this draft class and continues to grow as a pass rusher. he entered senior bowl week with first-round grades and he only helped himself there with a dominating week.
--Dane Brugler (2/10/16)
strengths
Offers the power to line up in the "A gap" and take on multiple blockers, but also has the lateral quickness to stunt and loop around bodies to close on the pocket. Displays terrific effort and is a determined chaser to catch ballcarriers from behind away from the line of scrimmage.
2016: Sat out the Senior Bowl after suffering a sprained knee during the week of practices.
Played for Rick Hurst at Eastside High School
Three-star recruit by Rivals.com and Scout.com
Rated as the No. 32 strongside defensive end and No. 43 player from Georgia by Rivals
Recorded 50 tackles, 17 tackles for loss and nine sacks as a senior
Two-time second team All-State honoree.
Son of Cheryl and Ira Rankins
born 4/2/94
health and human performance major.
Physical Attributes:
| Proj Rd: | 1.0 |
| Height: | 6-1 |
| Weight: | 299.0 |
| Forty: | 4.96 |
| Arm: | 33 3/8 |
| Hand: | 09 3/8 |
| Wingspan: | -- |
Pro Day Results:
| Cone: | -- |
| Bench: | -- |
| Shuttle: | -- |
| 10: | -- |
| 20: | -- |
| 40: | -- |
| BJ: | -- |
| VJ: | -- |
Combine Results:
| Cone: | 7.44 |
| Bench: | 28.0 |
| Shuttle: | 4.59 |
| 10: | 1.69 |
| 20: | 2.83 |
| 40: | 4.96 |
| BJ: | 09'10" |
| VJ: | 34 1/2 |